Not one low-income fragile or conflict-affected country has yet achieved a single Millennium Development Goal. In late September we met with International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell to urge him to make aid more effective in cases of poor governance, conflict and fragility. "DFID is hoping to create a 'New Deal' for aid in conflict-affected countries," says David Newton, Director of Policy at Conciliation Resources. "We support this, but it is important that they prioritise the needs of vulnerable populations. Strengthening public participation and government accountability is key to building more peaceful societies."